The Facts
	» 90 percent of the brain develops in the first three years of life. » Approximately 50 percent of children aren’t adequately prepared to enter Kindergarten. » Every $1 invested in early childhood education saves $17 in costs incurred as they falter later in life. » Over 30 schools in our region have dropout rates of 40 percent or more

Preparing Children to Succeed

We all win when our children stay in school, graduate, find work and build lives. The first years of life are critical to a child’s overall success in life. When our children don’t enter school prepared, they are more likely to fall behind or drop out. We will change the disturbing trends facing our region by ensuring:

• Children enter school ready to learn
• Youth stay in school

Our Work

Our Early Learning Communities provide neighborhood-based training and resources to parents and caregivers of children so they are equipped to provide the best possible care to young children and foster their development at an early age and ensure the children in their care enter school ready to learn. Learn more about this work.

United Way created the Greater Detroit Education Venture Fund to help turn around high schools in Southeast Michigan with graduation rates of less than 60 percent. We are currently working with five high schools throughout the region. Learn more about this work.

Children born at a low birth weight are at an increased risk of falling behind and need special attention. Our Reading Village provides that additional support by pairing a volunteer with a family to help create a literacy-rich environment for the child and support the entire family as other issues arise that threaten their ability to focus on ensuring their child is successful. Learn more about this work.

United Way 2-1-1 is a 24/7/365 help line that connects callers to community resources. The call center supports United Way's work in education in many ways, such as connecting Reading Village families with additional resources to meet their needs and provide a positive learning environment for their children. 2-1-1 also links parents with quality child care in their neighborhood and helps caregivers get connected to the Early Learning Communities. Click here to learn more.